Most people pack for Abu Dhabi's heat and forget the cold. From May to September highs run 37–42°C (99–108°F) outside, but malls, taxis, hotel lobbies and the Louvre Abu Dhabi run the air conditioning hard, so you go from sweating to shivering all day. Pack loose, light clothes for outside and one layer that covers your arms for inside.
Abu Dhabi weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 28°C82°F | 32°C90°F | 37°C99°F | 39°C102°F | 40°C104°F | 42°C108°F | 39°C102°F | 35°C95°F | 31°C88°F | 26°C79°F |
| Low | 18°C64°F | 18°C64°F | 20°C68°F | 23°C73°F | 27°C81°F | 30°C86°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 30°C86°F | 28°C82°F | 24°C75°F | 19°C66°F |
| Rain days | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryThis is the best time to go. Highs run 24–26°C (75–79°F), lows 18–19°C (64–66°F), and you'll see about one rain day a month. Evenings on the Corniche or at a desert camp get cool enough for a light sweater. Pack for beach days on Saadiyat and long walks, not for rain.
Spring
March–MaySpring heats up fast. March highs sit around 28°C (82°F), and by May they hit 37°C (99°F) with lows of 27°C (81°F). It barely rains, with one rain day or none each month. Do the Corniche and the Grand Mosque courtyard in the morning, and carry water everywhere.
Summer
June–AugustSummer is brutal. Highs run 39–42°C (102–108°F), nights stay at 30–32°C (86–90°F), and there's no rain to break it. Outside time shrinks to early morning and after dark, so most of your day is spent in malls, Yas Island's indoor theme parks or the museums on Saadiyat. Pack breathable cotton or linen and a cardigan for the air conditioning.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still summer, with a 39°C (102°F) high and 30°C (86°F) lows. October drops to 35°C (95°F) and November to 31°C (88°F), which is when beach and desert trips make sense again. There are no rain days at all. A light layer for evenings and cold buses is enough.
What to bring to Abu Dhabi
0 of 20 packed- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Waiting for a taxi or walking the Corniche at 40°C (104°F), a handheld fan is the difference between fine and miserable.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Keeps water cold for 24 hours, which matters when summer highs run 39–42°C (102–108°F) and you're out on Saadiyat all morning.
- A warm wrapClothing
Throw it on in freezing malls and taxis, or use it as a cover-up for the Grand Mosque.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Covers Abu Dhabi's Type G sockets and charges your phone, laptop and camera off one plug.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
A wet swimsuit from a beach morning goes in here, not on top of your clean clothes.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Maps and ride-hailing drain your phone between Yas Island and downtown, and this plugs straight in with no cable.
Clothing
- Loose linen or cotton shirts · 4May–Sep highs run 37–42°C
- Lightweight long pants or maxi skirt · 2Covers legs for the Grand Mosque
- Headscarf · 1Women cover hair at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Light cardigan or long-sleeve layer · 1Malls, taxis and museums run cold AC
- Swimwear · 2
Footwear
- Breathable walking sneakers · 1 pair
- Slip-on sandals · 1 pairEasy off and on at the mosque
Gear
- Wide-brim sun hat
- Polarized sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreenAlmost no cloud cover, sun is fierce
- Electrolyte tabletsSummer heat dehydrates fast
- Lip balm with SPF
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
What shoes should you pack for Abu Dhabi?
One pair of breathable walking shoes and one pair of sandals or slides covers it. Pavements get very hot in summer, and you take your shoes off at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, so slip-ons save time at the door. Add beach shoes if you're spending days on Saadiyat or Yas. You won't need boots.
What do people wear in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is more conservative than the Dubai photos suggest. In malls, souks and government buildings, cover shoulders and knees, and keep swimwear for the beach or pool. At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, women need loose clothes covering arms and legs plus a headscarf, and men need long trousers. Linen shirts, maxi dresses and light trousers handle all of it and stay cool.
What plugs does Abu Dhabi use?
Abu Dhabi uses Type G sockets, the same three-pin plug as the UK, at 230V. US, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter, and our universal adapter covers Type G. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V, but check hair tools first.
Tours and things to do in Abu Dhabi
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Abu Dhabi.
What should you leave at home for Abu Dhabi?
Leave the heavy coat and the rain jacket. It rains about one day a month in winter and not at all in summer. Skip short shorts and crop tops if you plan on the Grand Mosque or the souks. A big umbrella is dead weight too, since the shade you need comes from buildings and taxis.
Packing for Abu Dhabi: questions people ask
What should I wear in Abu Dhabi in summer?
Loose cotton or linen that covers your shoulders and knees. Highs reach 39–42°C (102–108°F), so carry a light layer for the cold air conditioning indoors.
What should women wear to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Loose clothes with long sleeves, an ankle-length skirt or trousers, and a headscarf. Tight or see-through clothes aren't allowed, so check your outfit before you leave the hotel.
Do I need a plug adapter in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, unless you're coming from the UK. Abu Dhabi uses Type G sockets at 230V.
Is it cold in Abu Dhabi in winter?
Not really. Highs are 24–26°C (75–79°F) and lows 18–19°C (64–66°F), so a light sweater for evenings and desert trips is all you need.
Can I wear shorts in Abu Dhabi?
Knee-length shorts are fine at hotels, beaches and theme parks. In malls, souks and religious sites, cover your knees and shoulders.
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